Being Brave
I have finally found the courage to focus on my art after various careers (some more creative than others) in financial marketing, primary school teaching, raising four children and running a family business. I’m so grateful for the chance to follow my dreams and to all those who have supported and encouraged me on this adventure. I very much hope that my artwork inspires others to also be brave. The landscapes I paint (usually using oils or oil pastels) often include a sense of hopeful space, whether in expansive skies or sands. You will also often notice bold vibrant colours and powerful rock forms or waves. Somehow the great power of our minds meets with the embedded energy within a landscape and visa versa. When this happens, the resultant creativity is intuitive and reflexive.
Cornish Roots
Although I enjoy painting in my studio in Kent, lots of my work is inspired by my childhood home of Trebetherick in North Cornwall and I return there as often as possible. As children, we ‘roamed freely’, both on foot with the dogs and on various ponies so I quite literally know every nook and cranny. Perhaps if you walk those cliffs often enough, the spirit starts to seep into you? I adore the varied coastal landscape; the soft white sand of the dunes and sharp marram grasses, the purple hues of the smooth rocks, contrasted by the rough cliffs, the hectic beaches, the isolated coves. This stretch of coastline is beloved of many and it is my great privilege to try to capture its magic on canvas and paper. Sir John Betjeman and I shared the same stomping ground. He also understood the deep love and peace which comes with such intense familiarity with an area. I hope this is reflected in my paintings.
Canine Companions
My passion is to paint ‘en plain air’ on the windy cliffs, accompanied by the dogs, ’Troy’ and ‘Roger’ - my canine art companions. I used to think passers-by were interested in my work - but it’s often just the dogs! Troy absolutely understands how to support me by just quietly ‘being there’ - ever patient and non-complaining... Puppy Roger is still learning! I highly recommend setting off with a thermos of tea and a rug and setting up for the morning or afternoon. Of course, there are the challenges of wind, rain, sand, sea spray and the occasional errant spaniel lifting his leg on your paint box or running over the palette! A couple of times I have been so engrossed that I have been soaked by a sneaky incoming tide (no doubt to the amusement of others on the beach!). Be warned; once you enter cliff-top painting world, time passes extremely quickly. You will inevitably return home hours later than intended!
“We have two of Sarah Rogers’ wonderful paintings of a part of Cornwall we know so well. Both paintings are full of vibrant colours, local details and wherever they hang they take one on a journey straight to the North Cornwall coast with its majestic sunsets and fresh sea air.”
Commissions
I would love to hear about any ideas you have for a particular commission, whether it be for yourself, or as a present for someone else. My paintings have been given as unique wedding presents and special birthday/Christmas gifts or to say a special ‘Thank you’. Initial discussions will include your preferred medium (oils or oil pastels), the size and the time frame you are working to. Working from photographs is fine but, where possible, I also like to visit the location myself.